An Artist Reinvents Architectural Photography via iPhone

Lynette Jackson, a telecommunications professional from Atlanta, is not an architect, but her iPhone has been getting the attention of the building-obsessed, appearing on Archidose, ArchDaily and even Fast Company's design blog.

Jackson turns her architectural photography into complex art pieces, letting sections of her built subjects set the tone for the layers of design treatments, created using only the apps on her phone. She began this project as a hobby, posting her work on Flickr and Instagram. iPhoneography blog LifeinLoFi took notice, so did a blog at an architecture firm's blog. Now, her online followers wait the next round of uploads.

We chatted with Jackson about her work, exactly what she uses to make it, and what inspires her to do it:

What's your creative background?

I have always spent time drawing and painting. My favorite thing about photography is that it gives instant gratification. With an iPhone and apps the creativity can happen anywhere. I have created several series while sitting in my favorite restaurants.

What about architecture interests you?

Architecture is art. I think of completed designs as huge sculptures. I’m drawn to lines, shapes, symmetry, and order. I like order. My dad was a brick-mason; I use to spread prints on the floor and imagine the completed structure. The work was exciting, so I wanted to be an architect. Although I didn’t study architecture there's a passion, maybe an obsession, for using the iPhone to create experiments which combine architecture, design, and art.

What tools do you use to put these pieces together?

I use the iPhone camera for shooting. My apps for processing are SnapSeed, CameraMatic, PictureShow, Pixlromatic, PhotoToaster, and PicFx. For design, it’s iDesign, StripeCam PicFrame, Decim8, ImageBlender, PhotoWizard, and Phonto. I may use two or more apps to create a simple block-out shape and color filters are usually custom or the results of multiple apps.

Do people anticipate your upcoming projects on Instagram?

I am fortunate to have really great followers who anticipate my series of four and I too anticipate their posts. It encourages me and helps drive the creativity. There is a lot of talent on Instagram.

Are there specific design periods or artists that influence these works?

So far the feedback has been positive. I hope that my work is respectful of architecture, it's my intention to highlight the genius of architects and their work. I have a camaraderie with other architectural iPhoneographers on Flickr and Instagram we are encouraging and inspiring each other.